News from Blue Moon Ranch

December 2008
In This Issue
Open House Dec 13
Happy Holidays
Herbs for Alpacas
Gratitude
Amazing alpaca sweater
 
Chocolate! 

Do you have a passion for alpacas but aren't quite ready for the expense of breeding females?  Do you have a passion for luxurious fiber and have some land to watch your fiber grow? Or maybe you have a small herd and want to add some great genetics to your breeding pool? We have a solution for you!  Our "chocolate factory" is for sale!  Chocolate brown yarn is my personal favorite, but we just can't keep them all.
To read more about the "chocolate factory" click here
Happy Holidays!  Enjoy the season, take care of yourself and remember to enjoy the little things in life. 
 
 
Merry Christmas from Linda & Ed & all the animals at Blue Moon Ranch
 Herbs for Alpacas
The philosophy of raising healthy animals at BMR includes some herbal supplements.  We believe that a healthy immune system is one of the best defenses against parasite overload, and other potential health threats to the herd. Our immune booster is a mix of lemon balm and nettles, with some granulated garlic added at certain times of the year.  This herbal recipe came from our friend, Robin Neher at Little Circle Farms in Colorado, who works closely with an herbalist. We purchase our herbs from mountain rose herbs.  If you want to find out more about the herbal mix, send me an email at linda@bluemoonranch.net  
Gratitude 
According to research at UC Davis (Ed's alma mater)  just writing down five things you are grateful for everyday can improve your well being.  This exercise works for cancer patients, chronic pain patients , college students and every other group that psychologist Robert Emmons has studied.  His work in gratitude is groundbreaking in the field of positive psychology.
And what does THIS have to do with alpacas???  Well, I want this newsletter to be helpful and more than just a sales pitch for alpacas or yarn!  And I think this is one of the most helpful things I have read lately.  News today can be quite depressing but this newsletter won't be.  In the photo to the left is my lovely daughter who reguarly practices gratitude.
Thealpaca herd sweater Amazing Alpaca Sweater
One day this fall  I received a phone call from a woman who wanted some raw alpaca fleece and of course I had some to sell.  She said her plan was to spin it and knit a sweater.  I thought it might take years to accomplish such a feat....but look at what she did!  Robin Bromley of Salt Lake City made this amazing sweater in less than 2 months.  Now for those of us who struggle to knit a hat or scarf with yarn that is already spun, this can be a little intimidating, but it shouldn't be. Even though we can't all spin and knit like Robin, everyone has to start somewhere, so get out those knitting needles and send me a picture of what you've made - maybe in the next issue YOU can be featured!
Open House December 13, 2008  10 a.m  til 4 p.m.
We'd like to invite you to our Holiday Open House. Come sip some hot chocolate, get out of the crowded mall, and maybe pick up a unique gift for someone on your list.  Linda Thomas, from Alpacas at Sundance Ranch will have some knitted goodies here and we have some new handmade soaps made just for this event!  Our "learn to spin kits" including alpaca fiber and a drop spindle will also be on sale at the Open  House.  This year we know many of our neighbors are suffering in our rough economy, so 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the local food bank. If you can bring a donation of canned food, we will deliver it there for you. 
Learn to Spin Kit Coupon! 
 
What a unique gift idea!  Our "Learn to Spin Kit"  includes a generous ounce of alpaca fiber ( from the Blue Moon herd of course) a wooden hand made drop spindle and complete instructions. Regularly $15, now $12 through December 20.   
Offer Expires: Dec 20, 2008 
Thanks!  Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.  Please forward it to anyone you think might enjoy it by clicking on the forward button at the bottom of this newsletter. 
Linda Gardner
Blue Moon Ranch
phone:  435-783-4428